CLARKSBURG, Mass. — More than 30 residents packed into the Selectmen's meeting on Wednesday night to find out more about the investigation into a half-dozen break-ins here and in nearby Stamford, Vt.

The arrest of a suspect in a rash of burglaries stretching from Southern Vermont to South County has calmed some fears but residents are continuing their crime watch with the support of town officials and police.

"The best [law enforcement] tool is community involvement and looking out for each other," said Selectman Carl McKinney.

"This is really just great to see the community doing something like this," said Selectwoman Lily Kuzia. "I think it's wonderful."

But if the audience was hoping for more, they were reminded by Police Chief Michael Williams that it was completely within their power to hire more officers and schedule more patrols — by voting for funding.

"[You] approve what the schedule is by approving the town budget," he said.

Officials began the meeting by getting right to the issue with a statement read by Town Administrator Michael Canales that detailed the timeline of the most recent break-ins and the collaborative work that Williams had done with local police agencies and state police crime scene services — short-circuiting recent complaints that the town had failed to call in troopers.

In fact, when it came time for public comments, the crowd remained silent, leading Chairwoman Debra LeFave to quip: "What are you all doing here?"

At least two of four break-ins in town (and possibly a third) since the end of October have been connected by police to Stefan E. Veremko, 28, of Pittsfield, and his girlfriend, Tara Malloy, a former Clarksburg resident. Two in Stamford, Vt., also may be linked to Veremko.

He was arrested on Friday after a sharp-eyed probate officer reported his car fleeing from a daytime burglary in Lenox. Veremko pleaded not guilty on Monday to multiple counts of larceny and breaking and entering in Southern Berkshire District Court. He is being held on $10,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. Malloy is reporting cooperating but is also likely to be charged.

Williams said investigators were still following the evidence and others may be implicated in the string of break-ins here and in other towns. They did not appear to be related to several break-ins last year, some which have been closed, he said, and it was still unclear if Veremko was connected to some burglaries back in September.

But while the pieces of this puzzle were falling into place, said the chief, "there's no guarantee that someone else is not going to break into your house."

The town has a handful of break-ins a year, but it's been a clear trend that the small police force is having to deal more with criminal activity than traffic violations. Williams described it as "a societal trend" in which property theft is becoming more common.

"You're not giving me the warm and fuzzies," said one resident. Canales assured them that the town has mutual aid with the other county agencies, meaning North Adams or state police could also respond as needed. But he also pointed out that it took a lucky break for Lenox and its much bigger police force to nab the suspect.

Williams also encouraged residents to continue calling in suspicious behavior, and reminding them that police can't just arrest, search or interrogate people simply on suspicion.

"Legally I can talk to anyone but they don't have to talk to me," he said.

Officials said they'd find out about posting crime watch posters on utility poles and getting a street light on a dark corner of MacArthur Drive in response to questions. They also passed out refrigerator magnets with emergency numbers: Call 911 in an emergency, the police/fire dispatch in North Adams at 663-3313 to report a crime or police business phone to report suspicious behavior or make an appointment.

"I hope we have allayed some of your fears," said LeFave. "But we don't have all the answers."

Williamstown.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.

What the town will do is continue to send you higher tax bills each year. You can count on that. I remember when all these new homes were being built all over town we heard that is was good because that would be more income coming into the town and existing homeowners would actually see a decrease in taxes. How did that work out?

Buck up people! Look at yourselves crying for the government to do something. How quickly you are willing to pay higher taxes, give up your privacey for public surveillance, and request unlawful searches.

How about taking a little responsibility for your own safety? Before you shell out more money for hit and miss police coverage, printing fliers, or driving all over the neighborhood causing more confusion - maybe you should consider something like this
http://www.spygearco.com/MiniVersaSpyCameraUSB-PE.htm
or some of the similar services from companies like ADT.

I keep the shotgun loaded, but for when I'm not home, this is the route I trust more than a chance sighting by police or crime watch.

Dear Vig, if I were you'd pay more attention to what is going on in Stamford than down here in the flat lands of c'burg. You'd see taxes are much higher than ours and for what? As for your selectboard you hve your own Queen she seems to think she can run everything from the road crew to the golf course

How about the TOWN put out flyers for everyone. Some people dont know their neighbors. Some people dont GET the paper. However, they do get their TAX bills right???
How about it Town Selectmen? Will you work for us, and with us?

WAKE UP. You are still vulnerable. This guy is probably from your town Clarksburg. Start watching your streets and woods! He doesnt drive a car.... that guy is in jail as of Thursday. Your other dirt bag is walking around you own damn town. Start looking out for suspicious behavior and people "cutting thru" yards. These are local teen boys. No need to call them in. This has to be a 20 somthing guy you would not recognize. Make the call. 911

This guy is from Clarksburg, why would a buglar stick around the same place after he has done damage wouldn't you move on. Hes from the vacinity of Fieldwood Dr and Horrigan Rd possible Daisy Lane??? as word of mouth spreads. Having some conversations with residents who have an idea of who it is, it all makes sense.

Possibly ... to answer your question logically... because he lives here??? Possibly he has a drug problem??? Possibly no car???
What do you think? It only takes a little common sense.
Residents need to protect themselves and each other.

Important Update: There is a report that Elvis has left the building. The "Suspicious Fellow" reportedly has left town. God help them wherever he lands. Good riddence Clarksburglar....for now. If and when you come back, we will know and we'll be ready and waiting for you.

Breakin yesterday on East Rd in Clarksburg was confirmed by police. Meeting was a success! 20 seriously concerned members organized the group. Mark your calendar for the next big Neighborhood Watch meeting Sat. Jan 16th at 1PM at the Stamford School.